We're only two rounds into this derby between LAFC and the Galaxy, but so far, the rivalry has delivered on every level. There's been early goals, star power, tempers flaring, comebacks, and more. The only thing missing so far is LAFC collecting all three points at the end of the match.
As these two teams prepare for the third and decisive contest between them, here are the Toyota Keys to the Match:
Find The Right Blend
If you're not up for this match, not sure you've got a pulse. LAFC is going to be particularly keyed in with the way the results have gone in the first two meetings. And that can fuel you, but it can also burn you.
Bob Bradley told reporters after training on Thursday, his team needs to find the balance between their hunger to right the wrongs of the previous match and playing football. Basically, don't go running yourself out of position to the detriment of the team's concept of how the game should be played. LAFC handled the Galaxy for large chunks of both matches playing to the style LAFC has honed since the start of the season. A level of aggression is needed in these rivalry matches, but there needs to be an approach that harnesses that instead of letting it burn out of control.
Stay Connected
If there is one thing the Galaxy and its personnel do well, it is creating difficult physical matchups and then getting in and around the ball. They have a lot of success playing direct to imposing players like Zlatan Ibrahimović and Ola Kamara, and then getting teammates near them to force teams into making mistakes.
As a result, they aren't necessarily concerned with winning the first ball even. As long as they can force you to commit, and then play around or through you. So LAFC will need to stay connected, knowing that there will be second-ball battles that need to be won. It won't be just enough to win a ball in front of Zlatan, LAFC players will need to work to control the 50-50 ball to nullify the follow up by nearby Galaxy players.
Divide And Conquer
The Galaxy's default formation is the use of three center backs flanked by two wingbacks. Those wingbacks are at times more defensive in Dave Romney and Ashley Cole, or more offensive with the likes of Chris Pontius and Romain Alessandrini. It appears Alessandrini will be out for this match, so we'll have to wait and see how Sigi Schmid balances his side, but regardless, LAFC should have a run at that three-man backline.
To do this, LAFC don't have to change much of what they do already. Carlos Vela and Diego Rossi will look to space the center backs by taking up wide starting positions. This forces the Galaxy to make a decision: play narrow and allow Vela and Rossi time on the ball, or stay tight and leave Christian Ramirez 1v1. No matter how they play, there are solutions on offer for LAFC, but the key will be having possession and spacing through the attacking third. From there, avenues will open either wide or through the channels for LAFC players to exploit a Galaxy defense that has conceded more goals (47) than any of the sides currently occupying a playoff spot.
